PSA: Overheard a homeowner in Boise say they'd never pay more than $2 a square foot for install

I was grabbing coffee yesterday and the people behind me were talking about their new floors. One guy said, and I quote, 'I'd never pay more than two bucks a square foot for someone to slap it down.' It just made me think about how we explain our value, you know? That price wouldn't even cover my gas and insurance for most jobs around here. How do you guys handle those kinds of customer expectations when you're giving a quote?

3 comments

3 Comments

susan8126d ago

Started giving a simple cost breakdown right on the quote. Show them the line items for prep work, materials, and labor. Honestly, when they see it all spelled out, most people get why it costs more than two bucks.

angela_patel7526d ago

How many times have I tried to explain that paint costs more than a latte? I once had a guy bring me a paint chip from a gas station bathroom and ask for a match. The breakdown is a good idea. It stops them from thinking you're just making up numbers. You're right, seeing the primer and the sandpaper and the three coats listed out makes it real. Otherwise they figure you're just waving a brush around for an hour and calling it a day.

the_robin26d ago

It's a nice idea in theory, but a line item list can backfire. Some clients just fixate on the cheapest material cost and argue every other charge. Angela's gas station paint chip story proves some people just won't get the value, no matter how you break it down. For me, a single total price for the whole job works better. It stops the "well can't we skip the primer" negotiation before it starts. You're selling a finished result, not a grocery list of supplies.